This week’s article takes us deeper into the Claremont Village by taking a stroll down First Street, where the road is lined with trees, bright neon signs and a host of businesses hoping to grab your attention.
Walk up the wooden steps of the unmissable two-story, block-long building and through the inviting entryway, and you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by people chatting or studying and hear the distant whir of a coffee grinder.
Claremont Packing House is the largest historic building in Claremont Village, housing a medley of restaurants, cafes, boutiques and public events. There’s something for everyone: whether you’re looking to buy a gift for a friend (maybe an edible arrangement, or a candle that you can’t legally burn in your dorm), grab a smoothie or shop for vintage clothes, it’s an ideal place to wander around.
For history buffs or anyone like me who enjoys reading random plaques and exhibitions, there’s a display case tucked away in the corner of the building that showcases Claremont’s 19th century citrus industry.
The Claremont Packing House was one of the main locations of citrus labor after opening in 1909. The College Heights Orange and Lemon Association was one of Claremont’s biggest employers and economic forces until it closed in 1972; the Packing House was ultimately restored and reopened in 2007.
Just a century ago, most of the buildings around us looked entirely different. It’s easy to take Claremont’s reputation as a sleepy suburban community for retirees as all it is and all it has been. However, it’s significant that so much has changed within such a short period. It’s worthwhile to learn a little about the town in which we live.
Although there are a bunch of different businesses in the Packing House that I’d recommend checking out, I’m specifically excited about one: the Claremont Forum Bookshop.
“Walk up the wooden steps of the unmissable two-story, block-long building and through the inviting entryway, and you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by people chatting or studying and hear the distant whir of a coffee grinder.”
The first time I visited the Packing House, I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon the entrance of the shop. One of my favorite activities with my friends back home was spending time in local bookstores and scanning the expansive shelves of our neighborhood Barnes & Noble, rarely buying anything but just enjoying the unattached feeling of browsing. The sticker shock of a $25 hardback was enough to distance us from ever actually purchasing something when we could borrow it from the library or rent it online instead.
However, the Forum Bookshop is special in its near-unbelievable affordability.
As you walk towards the store, you’re greeted by a shelf packed with books under a sign listing their two-for-$1 deal. As you move inside, natural light streaming in from the sloping windows above you, you’ll find shelves of literature and media sorted by subject and interest, from a collection of staff picks to vintage Disney comics. Many of the used books fall between $1 to $3.
Now, this is the most important tip of all: If you’re looking for a specific book for a class, this is the place to go. I visited the bookshop a few weeks ago with zero expectations of finding the specific anthology I’d been wanting to purchase for my Spanish class but somehow walked out with the exact copy I’d been looking for — and having only paid $1. One of my friends was also able to find a Shakespeare book for her literature class.
Before you go to Amazon or the library’s Huntley bookstore to purchase something for a class, especially if it’s for humanities or languages, stop by the Forum Bookshop to see what they have in stock.
The Forum Bookshop is also unique in that it’s nonprofit and runs exclusively on donated, used books. Proceeds from all the store’s sales go towards the Prison Library Project, a book-to-prisoners program and nonprofit organization that provides literary resources to incarcerated individuals.
If you’re interested in learning more, the Prison Library Project also has a booth at the Claremont Village Farmers Market, where they sell books and provide opportunities to get involved. You can also shop for new books online, if you’re looking for a fresh read and want to donate to the cause.
Stroll on over to the Packing House! If you’re already on your way over because you’re looking for a good study spot, there’s a lot to explore. While you’re at it, come with a list of books you’ve been wanting to buy. You might just find what you’re looking for.
Michelle Zhang PO ’27 is from the Bay Area. She’s a proud lefty and considers people-watching a hobby.
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